Aakash Chopra Criticizes BCCI Selectors for Excluding Varun Chakaravarthy from Asian Games 2022 Squad

Former India opener Aakash Chopra expressed his disappointment with the BCCI selectors for not including mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy in the upcoming Asian Games 2022. The tournament will be held in Hangzhou, China from September 23 onwards.

Opportunity for Second-String Team

The BCCI recently announced a second-string team for the Asian Games. This presents an opportunity for the bench strength of the Indian cricket team to showcase their skills while the main squad prepares for the home ODI World Cup in October.

Inclusions in the Squad

The team includes promising players like Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Prabhsimran Singh, and Tilak Varma, who have all performed well in the season. The squad also features bowlers Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, and Shivam Mavi, who have previously represented India.

Varun Chakaravarthy’s Absence

However, one notable absence from the Asian Games squad is Varun Chakaravarthy. Aakash Chopra pointed out that Chakaravarthy had an impressive performance in the IPL 2023, taking 20 wickets for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Chopra expressed his surprise and disappointment at Chakaravarthy’s exclusion.

Aakash Chopra’s Comments

Aakash Chopra mentioned that while he doesn’t criticize the inclusion of spinners like Bishnoi, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Washington Sundar, he believes that Chakaravarthy should have been given a chance. Chakaravarthy had an average of 21.45 and an economy rate of 8.14 in the IPL season.

Chopra further added that the chosen spinners may not face a significant challenge in the Asian Games, as the level of competition might not be as high. However, he acknowledged the selection of Ravi Bishnoi as a proper spinner and Shahbaz Ahmed, who has previously played for India.

Source: Hindustan Times